Oman officials announce further rail project plans

Oman's future national rail project makes porvisions for high-speed passenger trains like this one, in South Africa. Photo: Getty.

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Omani officials want to extend its proposed rail network to Salalah earlier than originally planned according to local newspaper the Oman Observer.

The paper reports that Salalah’s inclusion in the project wasn’t envisaged until a later phase of the project, but officials want to include the port city in on the initial stages of the development to give the proposed rail network a broader reach.

The Oman National Rail Network will comprise a double track, standard gauge system with provision for high-speed trains capable of up to 350kph. Initially, however, freight trains will run at between 80-120kph, and passenger trains up to 200kph. All trains will be diesel-electric, powered by overhead powerlines.

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FEATURED COMMENT I am very happy to see Oman progress. This rail project is really great.   6 Comments Read more comments »

The network includes a system that stretches from Khatmat Malaha on the border with the UAE in the north to its sourthern most city via Duqm on the Wusta coast. The route to Salalah will be plotted via Shuwaymiyah and Thumrait.

Detailed feasibility studies have yet to be completed, and engineering designs for the proposed route will then be commissioned by the government.

Feasibility studies for the rest of the 1000km long network have been completed, and the project is to be divided in to four packages: a 280km stretch from Muscat to the Port of Sohar, a 150km branch extending from Sohar to Al-Ain, a 58km extension from Sohar to Khatmat Malaha, and the 520km Muscat to the Port of Duqm.

Tenders for the detailed engineering design and management have already attracted huge interest. More than 30 companies have registered to pre-qualify for contracts relating to the engineering design and supervision consultancy services for the project. The process is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of the year, with a short-list of 15 extracted and invited to tender for the work.

Construction on the network is expected to begin in late 2012.